(Denver, Colo. – February 17, 2010)At a ceremony today at the City of Brighton’s Greensand Drinking Water Facility, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the State of Colorado recognized 34 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (Recovery Act) projects that are improving water infrastructure and supporting jobs across the state. During the event, the City of Brighton broke ground on the installation of a state-of-the-art ultraviolet (UV) disinfection system that will provide safe drinking water for 34,000 residents. The system is expected to be operational by May, 2010.

The Recovery Act is providing more than $62 million for 34 wastewater and drinking water projects in Colorado communities through Clean Water and Drinking Water Revolving Loan funds administered by EPA and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. Many of these loans include substantial loan forgiveness provisions that will ease future financial burdens on communities.

"The Recovery Act is not only supporting jobs for Coloradans right now,” said EPA Acting Regional Administrator, Carol Rushin, “it is also helping communities create long-term assets that will provide future generations with clean water in our streams and at the tap."

The State of Colorado has worked diligently to award 100 percent of the Clean Water and Drinking Water Recovery Act loan funds to communities. To date, more than $15 million has been spent by Colorado communities on these water infrastructure projects, many of which will be completed during the upcoming spring and summer construction season. The net impact of these projects will contribute to the creation and retention of an estimated 500 to 1,000 jobs. These construction projects are also providing economic benefits associated with increased demand for domestic raw materials, goods and services, and engineering and treatment technologies. Clean water is a basic requirement for human health and economic growth, and Colorado’s water utilities face a number of challenges associated with upgrading systems that are, in some cases, decades old. The Recovery Act is making a significant impact by addressing high-priority needs in communities. A full list of projects is provided below.

"The staff at the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment was extremely diligent about identifying priority water projects, reviewing engineering designs, and working closely with the Colorado Water Resources and Power Development Authority and the Department of Local Affairs to get these dollars out the door and into the economy," said Martha Rudolph, the department's executive director. "Many of these projects have been on our list of identified projects for years and have significant infrastructure needs for the protection of public health and the environment. Without Recovery Act funding and loan forgiveness, the projects would not have been possible. These projects are moving forward quickly and will benefit tens of thousands of Coloradans."

Many of these projects feature “green” measures that are improving the efficiency of water systems, and saving energy, money and water. Collectively, these measures will save more than 50 million gallons of Colorado’s most precious resource annually.

Sustainable measures taken through drinking water projects will deliver $7.3 million in savings over the next 20 years through increased energy efficiency, reduced operating costs, restored billing revenue, and avoided maintenance costs. In addition, “green” clean water projects totaling $7.9 million will tap more than one million kilowatt hours per year of wind, solar and hydroelectric energy and will help reduce demand on water treatment facilities through water re-use, and water and energy conservation.

The City of Brighton has received $1,044,000 to install a UV disinfection system that will provide 34,000 Brighton residents with long-term, improved protection from bacteria, pathogens and other drinking water contaminants. Ultraviolet disinfection uses light to destroy pathogens, and their ability to reproduce, without treatment chemicals or large, expensive infrastructure. In an arid state such as Colorado, it is essential that water systems can fully utilize sources with variable water quality to provide safe and affordable drinking water to the public.

“We look forward to the Greensand plant beginning operations this spring with the improved water treatment system in place,” said Brighton Mayor Dick McLean. “Looking back about 20 years ago we were compelled to recommend other drinking sources for pregnant women and children under the age of one because of our water quality. Today, we have excellent and safe water in our distribution system. The funding and jobs stimulus provided by the Recovery Act are leveraging upgrades which will even further reduce the risk of harmful microorganisms and other contaminants to our residents.”

EPA has provided nearly $100 million to Colorado under the Recovery Act, which was signed by President Obama in Denver on February 17, 2009. These resources are funding projects to improve drinking water and wastewater infrastructure, advance cleanup at contaminated sites and leaking underground storage tanks, and retrofit diesel engines with clean diesel technologies across the state.

Town of Kit Carson, Cheyenne CountyLoan Amount: --Principal Forgiveness: $392,000The project consists of various modifications to the water system including installation of a new reverse osmosis treatment plant and various transmission and distribution upgrades.

City of Manitou Springs, El Paso CountyLoan Amount: $3,020,000Principal Forgiveness: $832,801The project consists of distribution/transmission line replacement in various sections of the City.

City of La Junta, Otero CountyLoan Amount: $1,830,000Principal Forgiveness: --The project consists of new water tank to replace an existing, reserve pumps and appurtenances.

City of Florence, Fremont CountyLoan Amount: $2,000,000Principal Forgiveness: --The project consists of drilling, testing and construction of two additional wells, including installation of transmission lines and controls.

Town of Ridgway, Ouray CountyLoan Amount:$450,000Principal Forgiveness: --The project consists of upgrades and replacement of failing service lines.

Gateway Metropolitan District, Pitkin CountyLoan Amount:$576,575Principal Forgiveness: --The project consists of the replacement of two existing steel water storage tanks system looping with additional valves and replacement of problematic water distribution lines.

Town of Ophir, San Miguel CountyLoan Amount: $500,000Principal Forgiveness: --The project consists of a new water treatment plant, various water system upgrades, a new infiltration gallery, and construction of a new water tank.

City of Lamar, Prowers CountyLoan Amount: $3,952,375 Principal Forgiveness: --The project consists of the relocation of the existing chlorine building, storage tank improvements, modification to the valve house and installation of a new 24-inch transmission main.

WASTEWATER PROJECTSTotal: $30,093,792

Gunnison CountyLoan Amount: --Principal Forgiveness: $474,019The project consists of extending the North Gunnison central sewer collection system into an area currently served by a deficient collection and treatment system.

Town of Red Cliff, Eagle CountyLoan Amount: --Principal Forgiveness: $2,000,000The project consists of the construction of a new wastewater treatment plant.

Town of Rye, Pueblo CountyLoan Amount: --Principal Forgiveness: $1,968,000The project consists of a gravity sewer line extension and flow metering station to connect with Colorado City Metro District’s system, decommissioning the Town’s wastewater treatment facility, and repairs to the existing collection system.

City of Manitou Springs, El Paso County Loan Amount: $83,401Principal Forgiveness: $2,000,000The project consists of collection system rehabilitation in various sections of the City.

Town of Bayfield, La Plata CountyLoan Amount: --Principal Forgiveness: $193,956The project consists of consolidation of the Gem Village wastewater treatment facility with the Town of Bayfield wastewater treatment facility, including construction of a new lift station, gravity sewer lines and force main.

City of Pueblo, Pueblo CountyLoan Amount: $1,500,000Principal Forgiveness: --The project consists of constructing a new 200-Kilowatt photovoltaic array to supplement power at the existing water reclamation facility.

Town of Erie, Weld CountyLoan Amount: $2,000,000Principal Forgiveness: --The project consists of the construction of a discharge structure and non-potable pump station.